Lankford was born in Dallas, [[Texas]]. He earned his B.S. from the University of [[Texas]] in 1990 and his M.Div. from Southwestern Theological Baptist Seminary in 1994.

+

Lankford was born in Dallas, [[Texas]]. He earned his B.S. from the University of [[Texas]] in 1990 and his M.Div. from Southwestern Theological Baptist Seminary in 1994. Before entering politics, Lankford was the director of Falls Creek Youth Camp from 1996 to 2009.<ref name=bio>[http://jameslankford.com/biography/ ''James Lankford U.S. Senate'', "Biography," accessed April 1, 2014]</ref>

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+

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Before entering politics, Lankford worked as a director of a youth camp from 1996-2009.

+

==Career==

==Career==

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===U.S. House===

===U.S. House===

====2013-2014====

====2013-2014====

−

Lankford serves on the following committees:<ref>[http://media.cq.com/pub/committees/ ''CQ.com,'' House Committee Rosters for the 113th Congress]</ref>

+

Lankford serves on the following committees:<ref>[http://media.cq.com/pub/committees/ ''CQ.com'', "House Committee Rosters for the 113th Congress"]</ref>

*[[United States House of Representatives Committee on Budget|Committee on Budget]]

*[[United States House of Representatives Committee on Budget|Committee on Budget]]

*[[United States House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform|Committee on Oversight and Government Reform]]

*[[United States House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform|Committee on Oversight and Government Reform]]

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====2011-2012====

====2011-2012====

−

Lankford served on the following committees:<ref>[http://lankford.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=855&Itemid=100067 ''Congressman James Lankford, Representing the 5th District of Oklahoma'' "Committees and Caucuses"]</ref>

+

Lankford served on the following committees:<ref>[http://lankford.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=855&Itemid=100067 ''Congressman James Lankford, Representing the 5th District of Oklahoma'', "Committees and Caucuses"]</ref>

*[[United States House of Representatives Committee on Budget|Committee on Budget]]

*[[United States House of Representatives Committee on Budget|Committee on Budget]]

*[[United States House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform|Committee on Oversight and Government Reform]]

*[[United States House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform|Committee on Oversight and Government Reform]]

{{Support vote}} Lankford voted for HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote.<ref>[https://votesmart.org/bill/votes/45512#.UjdO8j9-q1c ''Project Vote Smart,'' "HR 1960 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013]</ref>

+

{{Support vote}} Lankford voted for HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote.<ref>[https://votesmart.org/bill/votes/45512#.UjdO8j9-q1c ''Project Vote Smart'', "HR 1960 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013]</ref>

=====DHS Appropriations=====

=====DHS Appropriations=====

−

{{Support vote}} Lankford voted for HR 2217 - the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 that was largely along party lines.<ref>[https://votesmart.org/bill/votes/44545#.UjdO9j9-q1c ''Project Vote Smart,'' "HR 2217 - Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2014 - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013]</ref>

+

{{Support vote}} Lankford voted for HR 2217 - the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 that was largely along party lines.<ref>[https://votesmart.org/bill/votes/44545#.UjdO9j9-q1c ''Project Vote Smart'', "HR 2217 - Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2014 - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013]</ref>

=====CISPA (2013)=====

=====CISPA (2013)=====

−

{{Support vote}} Lankford voted for HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill would allow federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities. The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party.<ref>[https://votesmart.org/bill/votes/43791#.UjdO-j9-q1c ''Project Vote Smart,'' "HR 624 - CISPA (2013) - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013]</ref>

+

{{Support vote}} Lankford voted for HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill would allow federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities. The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party.<ref>[https://votesmart.org/bill/votes/43791#.UjdO-j9-q1c ''Project Vote Smart'', "HR 624 - CISPA (2013) - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013]</ref>

====Economy====

====Economy====

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:: ''See also: [[United States budget debate, 2013]]''

:: ''See also: [[United States budget debate, 2013]]''

{{support vote}}

{{support vote}}

−

On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201.<ref>[http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2013/roll504.xml ''Clerk of the U.S. House,'' "Final vote results for Roll Call 504," accessed October 31, 2013]</ref> At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. [[Harry Reid]] rejected the call to conference.<ref>[http://www.buzzfeed.com/katenocera/government-shutdown-how-we-got-here?bffb ''Buzzfeed'', "Government Shutdown: How We Got Here," accessed October 1, 2013]</ref> Lankford voted in favor of the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.<ref>[http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2013/roll504.xml ''Clerk of the U.S. House,'' "Final vote results for Roll Call 504," accessed October 31, 2013]</ref>

+

On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201.<ref>[http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2013/roll504.xml ''Clerk of the U.S. House'', "Final vote results for Roll Call 504," accessed October 31, 2013]</ref> At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. [[Harry Reid]] rejected the call to conference.<ref>[http://www.buzzfeed.com/katenocera/government-shutdown-how-we-got-here?bffb ''Buzzfeed'', "Government shutdown: How we got here," accessed October 1, 2013]</ref> Lankford voted in favor of the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.<ref>[http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2013/roll504.xml ''Clerk of the U.S. House'', "Final vote results for Roll Call 504," accessed October 31, 2013]</ref>

−

{{oppose vote}} The shutdown finally ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the [[United States Senate|Senate]]. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funds the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by [[United States Senate|Senate Democrats]] was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/house-effort-to-end-fiscal-crisis-collapses-leaving-senate-to-forge-last-minute-solution/2013/10/16/1e8bb150-364d-11e3-be86-6aeaa439845b_story_1.html ''The Washington Post'', "Reid, McConnell propose bipartisan Senate bill to end shutdown, extend borrowing," accessed October 16, 2013]</ref> The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from [[Republican]] members. Lankford voted against HR 2775.<ref>[http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2013/roll550.xml ''U.S. House,'' "Final vote results for Roll Call 550," accessed October 31, 2013]</ref>

+

{{oppose vote}} The shutdown finally ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the [[United States Senate|Senate]]. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by [[United States Senate|Senate Democrats]] was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/house-effort-to-end-fiscal-crisis-collapses-leaving-senate-to-forge-last-minute-solution/2013/10/16/1e8bb150-364d-11e3-be86-6aeaa439845b_story_1.html ''The Washington Post'', "Reid, McConnell propose bipartisan Senate bill to end shutdown, extend borrowing," accessed October 16, 2013]</ref> The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from [[Republican]] members. Lankford voted against HR 2775.<ref>[http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2013/roll550.xml ''U.S. House'', "Final vote results for Roll Call 550," accessed October 31, 2013]</ref>

{{Support vote}} Lankford voted for House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain illegal aliens residing in the United States.<ref>[http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d113:hamdt136: ''The Library of Congress,'' "H.AMDT.136," accessed September 16, 2013]</ref> The vote largely followed party lines.<ref>[https://votesmart.org/bill/votes/44693#.UjdQYz9-q1c ''Project Vote Smart,'' "H Amdt 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013]</ref>

+

{{Support vote}} Lankford voted for House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain illegal aliens residing in the United States.<ref>[http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d113:hamdt136: ''The Library of Congress,'' "H.AMDT.136," accessed September 16, 2013]</ref> The vote largely followed party lines.<ref>[https://votesmart.org/bill/votes/44693#.UjdQYz9-q1c ''Project Vote Smart'', "H Amdt 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013]</ref>

====Healthcare====

====Healthcare====

=====Health Care Reform Rules=====

=====Health Care Reform Rules=====

−

{{Support vote}} Lankford voted for House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires that all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines.<ref>[https://votesmart.org/bill/votes/45799#.UjdQtz9-q1c ''Project Votesmart,'' "H Amdt 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013]</ref>

+

{{Support vote}} Lankford voted for House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires that all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines.<ref>[https://votesmart.org/bill/votes/45799#.UjdQtz9-q1c ''Project Vote Smart'', "H Amdt 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013]</ref>

====Social issues====

====Social issues====

=====Abortion=====

=====Abortion=====

−

{{Support vote}} Lankford voted for HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The resolution passed the House on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 228 - 196 that largely followed party lines. The purpose of the bill is to ban abortions that would take place 20 or more weeks after fertilization.<ref>[https://votesmart.org/bill/votes/45098#.UjdRJz9-q1c ''Project Vote Smart,'' "HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013]</ref>

+

{{Support vote}} Lankford voted for HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The resolution passed the House on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 228 - 196 that largely followed party lines. The purpose of the bill is to ban abortions that would take place 20 or more weeks after fertilization.<ref>[https://votesmart.org/bill/votes/45098#.UjdRJz9-q1c ''Project Vote Smart'', "HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013]</ref>

====Previous congressional sessions====

====Previous congressional sessions====

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Lankford is running for [[United States Senate|U.S. Senate]] in the [[United States Senate special election in Oklahoma, 2014|special election]] for the seat left vacant by the retirement of [[Tom Coburn]] (R).<ref name="run"/><ref name="rumor"/> He is seeking the [[Republican]] nomination in the primary. The general election takes place on November 4, 2014.

Lankford is running for [[United States Senate|U.S. Senate]] in the [[United States Senate special election in Oklahoma, 2014|special election]] for the seat left vacant by the retirement of [[Tom Coburn]] (R).<ref name="run"/><ref name="rumor"/> He is seeking the [[Republican]] nomination in the primary. The general election takes place on November 4, 2014.

−

In a statement announcing his decision on January 20, 2014, Lankford pointed to the health care law and the national debt as reasons for his bid.<ref name="bid">[http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2014/01/20/rep_lankford_to_seek_coburns_senate_seat_121292.html ''Real Clear Politics,'' "Rep. Lankford to Seek Coburn's Senate Seat," accessed January 20, 2014]</ref>

+

In a statement announcing his decision on January 20, 2014, Lankford pointed to the health care law and the national debt as reasons for his bid.<ref name="bid">[http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2014/01/20/rep_lankford_to_seek_coburns_senate_seat_121292.html ''Real Clear Politics'', "Rep. Lankford to seek Coburn's Senate seat," accessed January 20, 2014]</ref>

−

“After a great deal of thought, prayer and discussion with my family, I feel led to continue my Oklahoma common sense and principled approach to attack the deep problems in the United States Senate," Lankford said. “The Senate is the most contentious body in our government today. Harry Reid and the Senate Democrats continue to divide America for political gain. The problems that we face as a nation will not be solved by yelling louder, they will be resolved when we put forward clear conservative solutions that the American people overwhelming support.”<ref name="bid"/>

+

“After a great deal of thought, prayer and discussion with my family, I feel led to continue my Oklahoma common sense and principled approach to attack the deep problems in the United States Senate," Lankford said. “The Senate is the most contentious body in our government today. Harry Reid and the Senate Democrats continue to divide America for political gain. The problems that we face as a nation will not be solved by yelling louder, they will be resolved when we put forward clear conservative solutions that the American people overwhelmingly support.”<ref name="bid"/>

Lankford won re-election in the [[U.S. Congress elections, 2012|2012 election]] for the [[U.S. House elections, 2012|U.S. House]], representing [[United States House of Representatives elections in Oklahoma, 2012|Oklahoma's]] [[Oklahoma's 5th Congressional District elections, 2012|5th District]]. He ran unopposed in the Republican primary on June 26, 2012, and defeated [[Tom Guild]] (D), [[Robert T. Murphy]] (L) and [[Pat Martin]] (I) in the general election on November 6, 2012.<ref>[http://www.politico.com/2012-election/map/#/House/2012/ ''Politico'', "2012 Election Map," November 6, 2012]</ref>

+

Lankford won re-election in the [[U.S. Congress elections, 2012|2012 election]] for the [[U.S. House elections, 2012|U.S. House]], representing [[United States House of Representatives elections in Oklahoma, 2012|Oklahoma's]] [[Oklahoma's 5th Congressional District elections, 2012|5th District]]. He ran unopposed in the Republican primary on June 26, 2012, and defeated [[Tom Guild]] (D), [[Robert T. Murphy]] (L) and [[Pat Martin]] (I) in the general election on November 6, 2012.<ref>[http://www.politico.com/2012-election/map/#/House/2012/ ''Politico'', "2012 Election Map," accessed November 6, 2012]</ref>

{{Template:Okdis5genelecbox12}}

{{Template:Okdis5genelecbox12}}

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===Like-minded colleagues===

===Like-minded colleagues===

−

The website ''OpenCongress'' tracks the voting records of each member to determine with whom he or she votes most and least often. The results include a member from each party.<ref>[http://www.opencongress.org/people/show/412464_James_Lankford ''OpenCongress,'' "James Lankford," accessed August 8, 2013]</ref>

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The website ''OpenCongress'' tracks the voting records of each member to determine with whom he or she votes most and least often. The results include a member from each party.<ref>[http://www.opencongress.org/people/show/412464_James_Lankford ''OpenCongress'', "James Lankford," accessed August 8, 2013]</ref>

{{col-begin}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-break}}

{{col-break}}

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===Lifetime voting record===

===Lifetime voting record===

::''See also: [[Lifetime voting records of United States Senators and Representatives]]''

::''See also: [[Lifetime voting records of United States Senators and Representatives]]''

−

According to the website ''GovTrack,'' Lankford missed 8 of 1,714 roll call votes from January 2011 to April 2013. This amounts to 0.5%, which is better than the median of 2.2% among the lifetime records of representatives currently serving as of April 2013.<ref>[http://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/james_lankford/412464 ''GovTrack,'' "James Lankford," accessed April 17, 2013]</ref>

+

According to the website ''GovTrack,'' Lankford missed 8 of 1,714 roll call votes from January 2011 to April 2013. This amounts to 0.5%, which is better than the median of 2.2% among the lifetime records of representatives currently serving as of April 2013.<ref>[http://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/james_lankford/412464 ''GovTrack'', "James Lankford," accessed April 17, 2013]</ref>

===Congressional staff salaries===

===Congressional staff salaries===

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====2012====

====2012====

−

Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by ''OpenSecrets.org'', Lankford's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $73,019 to $397,000. That averages to '''$235,009.50''', which is lower than the average net worth of Republican House members in 2012 of $7,614,097.96. Lankford ranked as the 337th most wealthy representative in 2012.<ref>[http://www.opensecrets.org/pfds/CIDsummary.php?CID=N00031129&year=2012 ''OpenSecrets.org'' "Lankford, 2012," accessed January 14, 2014]</ref>

+

Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by ''OpenSecrets.org'', Lankford's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $73,019 to $397,000. That averages to '''$235,009.50''', which is lower than the average net worth of Republican House members in 2012 of $7,614,097.96. Lankford ranked as the 337th most wealthy representative in 2012.<ref>[http://www.opensecrets.org/pfds/CIDsummary.php?CID=N00031129&year=2012 ''Open Secrets'', "Lankford, 2012," accessed January 14, 2014]</ref>

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{{Net worth table

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{{Net worth PIG

|Collapse=

|Collapse=

|Name =James Lankford

|Name =James Lankford

|Political Party =Republican

|Political Party =Republican

−

|Year 1 =2010

+

|2010 = 217509

−

|Average 1 =217509

+

|2011 =168010

−

|Year 2 =2011

+

|2012 =235009.50

−

|Average 2 =168010

+

−

|Year 3 =2012

+

−

|Average 3 =235009.50

+

}}

}}

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====2011====

====2011====

−

Lankford tied with one other member of the U.S. House, ranking 62nd in the conservative rankings in 2011.<ref>[http://www.nationaljournal.com/voteratings2011/searchable-vote-ratings-tables-house-20120223 ''National Journal'', "Searchable Vote Ratings Tables: House," February 23, 2012]</ref>

+

Lankford tied with one other member of the U.S. House, ranking 62nd in the conservative rankings in 2011.<ref>[http://www.nationaljournal.com/voteratings2011/searchable-vote-ratings-tables-house-20120223 ''National Journal'', "Searchable Vote Ratings Tables: House," accessed February 23, 2012]</ref>

===Voting with party===

===Voting with party===

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==Personal==

==Personal==

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James Lankford is married to his wife, Cindy. They have two daughters.<ref>[http://lankford.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=673&Itemid=100068 ''Congressman James Lankford, Representing the 5th District of Oklahoma'' "Biography"]</ref>

+

James Lankford is married to his wife, Cindy. They have two daughters.<ref name=bio>[http://jameslankford.com/biography/ ''James Lankford U.S. Senate'', "Biography," accessed April 1, 2014]</ref>

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==Recent news==

==Recent news==

This section displays the most recent stories in a Google news search for the term '''James + Lankford + Oklahoma + House'''

This section displays the most recent stories in a Google news search for the term '''James + Lankford + Oklahoma + House'''

Lankford most recently won re-election in 2012. He ran unopposed in the Republican primary on June 26, 2012, and defeated Tom Guild (D), Robert T. Murphy (L) and Pat Martin (I) in the general election on November 6, 2012.

Based on analysis of multiple outside rankings, Lankford is an average Republican member of Congress, meaning he will vote with the Republican Party on the majority of bills.

Biography

Lankford was born in Dallas, Texas. He earned his B.S. from the University of Texas in 1990 and his M.Div. from Southwestern Theological Baptist Seminary in 1994. Before entering politics, Lankford was the director of Falls Creek Youth Camp from 1996 to 2009.[3]

Issues

Legislative actions

113th Congress

The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 114 out of the 3,036 introduced bills (3.8 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.[6] For more information pertaining to Lankford's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections.[7]

National security

NDAA

Lankford voted for HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote.[8]

DHS Appropriations

Lankford voted for HR 2217 - the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 that was largely along party lines.[9]

CISPA (2013)

Lankford voted for HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill would allow federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities. The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party.[10]

Economy

Government shutdown

On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201.[11] At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. Harry Reid rejected the call to conference.[12] Lankford voted in favor of the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.[13]

The shutdown finally ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the Senate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies.[14] The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from Republican members. Lankford voted against HR 2775.[15]

Federal Pay Adjustment Elimination

Lankford voted for HR 273 - Eliminates the 2013 Statutory Pay Adjustment for Federal Employees. The bill passed the House on February 15, 2013, with a vote of 261 - 154. The bill would prevent a 0.5% pay increase for all federal workers from taking effect, saving the federal government $11 billion over 10 years.[16]

Immigration

Morton Memos Prohibition

Lankford voted for House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain illegal aliens residing in the United States.[17] The vote largely followed party lines.[18]

Healthcare

Health Care Reform Rules

Lankford voted for House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires that all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines.[19]

Social issues

Abortion

Lankford voted for HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The resolution passed the House on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 228 - 196 that largely followed party lines. The purpose of the bill is to ban abortions that would take place 20 or more weeks after fertilization.[20]

Previous congressional sessions

Fiscal Cliff

Lankford voted against the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was 1 of 151 Republicans that voted against the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.[21]

Controversy

2014 SOTU address

Lankford characterized President Barack Obama’s 2014 State of the Union address as, "an intentional provocation of congressional Republicans" and called the speech an empty attempt to rally his liberal base.[22]

"In some ways he’s goading us, he’s going back to his base. Most of the proposals he’s laying out he already has statutory authority to do, he’s just trying to charge up his base” Lankford said.[22]

In a statement announcing his decision on January 20, 2014, Lankford pointed to the health care law and the national debt as reasons for his bid.[23]

“After a great deal of thought, prayer and discussion with my family, I feel led to continue my Oklahoma common sense and principled approach to attack the deep problems in the United States Senate," Lankford said. “The Senate is the most contentious body in our government today. Harry Reid and the Senate Democrats continue to divide America for political gain. The problems that we face as a nation will not be solved by yelling louder, they will be resolved when we put forward clear conservative solutions that the American people overwhelmingly support.”[23]

Full history

To view the full congressional electoral history for James Lankford, click [show] to expand the section.

2010

On November 2, 2010, James Lankford won election to the United States House. He defeated Billy Coyle (D), Clark Duffe (I) and Dave White (I) in the general election.[25]

U.S. House, Oklahoma District 5 General Election, 2010

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

James Lankford

62.5%

123,236

Democratic

Billy Coyle

34.5%

68,074

Independent

Clark Duffe

1.6%

3,067

Independent

Dave White

1.4%

2,728

Total Votes

197,105

Campaign donors

Comprehensive donor information for Lankford is available dating back to 2010. Based on available campaign finance records, Lankford raised a total of $1,401,055 during that time period. This information was last updated on April 22, 2013.[26]

Lifetime voting record

According to the website GovTrack, Lankford missed 8 of 1,714 roll call votes from January 2011 to April 2013. This amounts to 0.5%, which is better than the median of 2.2% among the lifetime records of representatives currently serving as of April 2013.[38]

Congressional staff salaries

The website Legistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Lankford paid his congressional staff a total of $849,548 in 2011. Overall, Oklahoma ranks 19th in average salary for representative staff. The average U.S. House of Representatives congressional staff was paid $954,912.20 in fiscal year 2011.[39]

Net worth

2012

Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org, Lankford's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $73,019 to $397,000. That averages to $235,009.50, which is lower than the average net worth of Republican House members in 2012 of $7,614,097.96. Lankford ranked as the 337th most wealthy representative in 2012.[40]

James Lankford Yearly Net Worth

Year

Average Net Worth

2012

$235,009.50

The data used to calculate changes in net worth may include changes resulting from assets gained through marriage, inheritance, changes in family estates and/or trusts, changes in family business ownership and many other variables unrelated to a member's behavior in Congress.